A San Antonio tactical training facility that prepares law enforcement officers for real-world scenarios is asking for the public’s help after someone broke in and stole specialized training equipment.
According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Battle Grounds owner Justin Torres, the stolen equipment included four training rifles equipped with optics, lights and blue training suppressor devices, along with seven Glock 17T training pistols and 14 magazines.
Battle Grounds is a non-ballistic training facility that serves local law enforcement agencies, regional SWAT teams and federal partners. Torres said the stolen equipment is used for scenario-based and force-on-force training.
“Battle Grounds is something I’ve poured my heart, time, and resources into,” Torres wrote in the GoFundMe campaign.
The fundraiser is seeking $15,000 to replace the stolen equipment. As of Thursday, it had raised $4,261 from 26 donations, according to the GoFundMe page.
“It’s heartbreaking to have someone take equipment that was purchased for that purpose,” Torres wrote. “Asking for help isn’t easy, but I’m reaching out to our community to help us recover.”
The stolen rifles are non-lethal training weapons designed to match the weight, handling and operation of the rifles used by law enforcement officers.
The Glock 17T training pistols also are designed for non-lethal training and cannot fire live ammunition. Instead, they use marking cartridges that fire paint-filled projectiles.
According to Torres, money raised through the fundraiser will help replace the training firearms, magazines, optics, lights and other equipment stolen during the burglary.
Torres said the equipment was used by outside training companies that partnered with Battle Grounds.